Culture professionals are celebrating their professional holiday

On the Day of Russian Culture Professional the Regional Philharmonic Society hosted the panel meeting of the Culture and Tourism Department of the Smolensk region which was attended by Deputy Governor Nikolai Kuznetsov, the heads of the corresponding departments of the local authorities, representatives of regional and local culture and art institutions and creative unions.

Head of the Culture and Tourism Department Vladislav Kononov reported on the main activities in 2012 and the plans for this year. He pointed out that the main objectives of the state policy on culture development are to preserve historical and cultural heritage, develop cultural potential and infrastructure of the sector, rationally manage the heritage sites and integrate the Smolensk region into the cultural space of the country.

The overall situation in the region's culture inspires optimism. However, while the urban environment is characterized by a relatively well-developed network of culture institutions, the culture sector of the rural areas is represented mostly by local agencies that operate on small budget funding and experience the lack of young professionals and modern equipment.

Currently, the culture institutions are taking part in the eight long-term specialized programs: "Development of culture in the Smolensk region for 2012-2014", "Regional state archival institutions: security and stability for 2009-2013", "Development of domestic tourism in the Smolensk Region” for 2013-2015 and others. Besides, there are ten specialized departmental programs, which are listed on the Culture and Tourism Department website.

Last year tourism was re-assigned under the jurisdiction of the Department. In the near future a project to create a visitor’s center in Lopatinskiy park, where everyone will be able to take a guided tour, get a map of Smolensk attractions, buy souvenirs, will be started in the regional center. Later this year it is also planned to create a modern system of signs and information boards directing people around and telling them about the rich historical and cultural heritage of our city.

Governor Alexey Ostrovskiy ordered every municipality to hold "Days of Smolensk" within the period from May, 1 to September, 25 as part of the upcoming celebration of the 1150th anniversary of Smolensk. Well-known Smolensk performers will take part in these events meaning that the anniversary of Smolensk is a celebration for all the people of the Smolensk region and not only for the residents of the regional center.

Celebrating the culture professionals continued at the ceremony in the Concert Hall of the Smolensk Regional Philharmonic Society. Vice Governor Nikolai Kuznetsov awarded Letters of Appreciation from the Governor and Diplomas of Honor from the Administration of the Smolensk region to the best representatives of the industry.